Dramatic Marine Mammal Population Changes

Credit: Lance Barrett-Lennard

Credit: Lance Barrett-Lennard

Credit: Lance Barrett-Lennard

Credit: Lance Barrett-Lennard

Credit: Lance Barrett-Lennard

Threats To Wild Killer Whales

Populations of whales, dolphins and porpoise off the coast British Columbia have experienced dramatic changes since industrial humans expanded here in the 1800s. Whaling had a significant impact on killer whales. These factors are the main reason killer whales in B.C. are now at risk for extinction, while current and emerging threats have an even more harmful impact on these species. These threats include food supply, toxins, entanglement, depredation, noise, collisions with vessels, boat disturbances and continued whaling.

Recovery PlanningFor The Future

Many of the Vancouver Aquarium's programs on are in partnership with Fisheries and Oceans Canada (DFO). For the populations of killer whales that have been listed as endangered or threatened under the Canadian Species at Risk Act, the DFO has been a key player in creating recovery strategies and action plans. These can be downloaded here:

Other recovery strategies, action plans and management plans are currently in progress for humpback whales, Northern Pacific right whales, grey whales and offshore killer whales.

Credit: Lance Barrett-Lennard

Credit: Lance Barrett-Lennard

Support Marine Mammal Research

Your donation to the Vancouver Aquarium Marine Science Centre will help fund important research. Research will lead to a better understanding of marine mammals and the conservation measures necessary to protect them.